Discussion

Best deals for retail oysters

I have a friend who is learning to shuck oysters in preparation for a party and wants a large number of oysters to practice on. Any ideas of where to get them or suggestions of places that have deals if you are buying several dozen?

I have been buying 1-2 dozen at a time at Whole Foods in Bedford, for 99 cents each. I believe all the Whole Foods have the same price but I know that there is pretty good turn-over at Bedford. I did get one batch, of Wellfleets I believe, that were not fresh, but all the others were very fresh and sweet.

Cape Cod Shellfish on Fish Pier, but I don't believe they will sell a couple dozen. Has anyone sighted the Wellfleet oyster man at the Davis Farmer's Market? His uglies would be the ticket that cassoulady is looking for and usually shows up in the August timeframe. Since the desire is to practice, you might do slightly better somewhere which sells them by weight and asking to pick out the smallest. Not certain, though, that its going to be worth the extra gas driving around because you aren't going to find oysters for $.25 each. BTW restaurants which offer them for $1/pc are offering them as a loss-leader.

On this point, if you're looking for variety (to practice with), the Medford Whole Foods is the best! They usually have about 10 different kinds from New England. Maybe shapes and sizes to practice with!